The Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine, supported by some European countries, had taken several "provocative steps" aimed at derailing Moscow-initiated direct peace talks with Kiev, Reuters reports.
The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years were held on May 16, but did not lead to a ceasefire agreement.
"At the initiative of the Russian Federation, direct Russian-Ukrainian dialogue on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine has been resumed," the ministry said.
"At the same time, the Kiev regime, supported by certain European countries, has taken a number of provocative steps aimed at disrupting the negotiation process."
According to the Russian ministry, since May 20, Ukraine has significantly increased drone and missile attacks on Russian territory, using Western-supplied munitions and targeting civilian areas.
Between the evening of May 20 and the morning of May 27, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones, including 1,465 outside the immediate conflict zone, the ministry said.
Ukraine also reported a sharp escalation of Russian attacks on its territory, including a record shelling on Sunday evening.
The escalation of tensions has prompted US President Donald Trump to comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin has "lost his mind", while threatening new sanctions.
The Russian The Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that its strikes were retaliatory, precise, and aimed solely at military facilities and enterprises of Ukraine's military-industrial complex.